![]() Seems like this is her biggest role and she was superb. Natalie Knepp seemed so familiar to me, but I haven't seen her in other roles. The movie to its success focuses on Rachel. The last main character is Joy who is the reason the movie is named a Joyous Christmas (very well done). The scene where Rachel and Jack first meet is great as he is asking her whether he should get the Santa or Snowman tie. He starred in Christmas in Homestead (2016) which I have not seen, but probably will after seeing him here. The good guy producer Jack is played by Michael Rady. The bad guy manager was played very well by Steve Bacic. Natalie Knepp plays Rachel Kennedy a motivational speaker who returns to her home of Fall Oaks, Massachusetts for an event near Christmas. On the whole, nice enough but didn't wow me. Most of the characters are fine, apart from Rachel's indecisiveness. Is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory despite being familiar territory in tropes and thematically. While the story was problematic, it was not a disaster by any stretch. Dialogue isn't stilted and doesn't go too heavy on the cheese or schmaltz. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. The production values still manage to be pleasing. The chemistry between him and Bedelia is very genuine and not sugary sweet. The best performance comes from Michael Rady, understated while never looking bored and very charming and very sympathetic. Joy is much easier to empathise with and grows as a character. Her indecisiveness is frustrating and Natalie Knepp didn't always seem at ease. ![]() ![]() Rachel was neither interesting or endearing, with not enough character growth. There is not much that is unique, with the film playing it too safe. Some things happen too quickly and too conveniently, in a credibility straining way which does make for some convoluted parts. The story is pleasant enough, but there are times where it does try to include too much and some of it is underdeveloped and on the bland side. If asked whether it's recommended, my personal answer would be yes with a small y. 'A Joyous Christmas' is one of those type of films where everything is present and correct and with a lot done right, but also one of those type of films that could have done with more spark and with more joy. It's another one that is firmly in the middle, with not a lot that is done wrong other than some major story issues but with little that is wow-worthy or extraordinary. 'A Joyous Christmas' is neither one of the best or worst Hallmark Christmas films. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless.
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